He will no longer play for Albania: talented striker called up by Jürgen Klopp for Germany

Brajan Gruda is set for another major step in his career, with a first call-up to Germany’s senior national team expected.

The RB Leipzig striker is expected to be part of Jürgen Klopp’s squad for the September camp, according to German media reports.

Jürgen Klopp will publish his first squad list as Germany coach on Thursday, and one of the names expected to feature is Brajan Gruda.

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, as also reported by “iMiaSanMia”, Gruda will be called up by Klopp for September’s fixtures. For the 21-year-old this would be a historic call-up: although he has previously been capped by Germany at youth levels, he has yet to make his debut for the senior national team.

Gruda, who plays for RB Leipzig, is enjoying a good spell of form, and his performances appear to have convinced the new German national team staff. His pace and ability to play on the flanks are among the characteristics that could make him an important alternative in Germany’s attacking department.

Brajan Gruda’s name has long been linked with Albania as well, given his Albanian origin. The striker had the option to choose the red-and-black jersey, but in the past decided to continue his journey with Germany.

Now, with his first call-up to the German senior team, Gruda is very close to a decision that could definitively determine his international future.

If he features in an official match for Germany, he will no longer be able to change allegiance and play for Albania, under FIFA’s rules on switching sporting nationality.

Thus, a player who was once on Albania’s radar may now be very close to debuting for one of Europe’s most important national teams.

For Klopp, Gruda is a new option in attack, and the German coach is expected to assess his form during the September camp. If he convinces in training and in the upcoming matches, the possibility that the 21-year-old gets minutes on the pitch is not ruled out.